Frequently Asked Questions
I receive phone calls every day from people interested in ADOT's Public Auction. The following section addresses Frequently Asked Questions as they pertain to the public auction. I hope you find it helpful!
Q: How does ADOT dispose of it's surplus vehicles and equipment?
A: Disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment within ADOT is a two-part process.
Surplus items are first offered for sale to other state agencies, local government agencies, school districts, and other eligible nonprofit institutions. These agencies are referred to as "donees". Items are direct transferred to donees at an ADOT established fair market value, and that value is not negotiable.
Items that are not sold to donees are then rolled over to a general public auction.
Q: How often do you hold public auctions?
A: Ideally, we'd like to conduct public auctions quarterly. The success to which we can do that depends upon the amount of new equipment we can purchase within a given period, and the amount of old equipment that is turned-in within a given period. More realistically, we'll generally conduct a spring and fall sale.
Q: What kind of equipment do you sell at public auction?
A: Everything we sell at public auction is surplus property of the Arizona Department of Transportation. This includes light cars and trucks, heavy trucks, construction equipment, and specialized equipment such as arrow boards, message boards, air compressors, water tanks, etc. Items do not include repossessed or seized vehicles or equipment. A complete list of items available for sale will be published prior to each public auction.
Q: How can I be notified of upcoming public auctions?
A: The best way to stay informed is to return to this site at least once per month. You can also complete and submit the form accessed through "Mailing List" on the index page, or email a request to be included in our bulk mailing of auction notices. Include your name, address, and zip code. Send your request to dbeidleman@azdot.gov.
Q: When can items be previewed?
A: Our auctions will always be held on a Saturday morning. Items can be previewed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the auction.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are physically located at 2350 South 22nd Avenue in Phoenix . . . between Buckeye and Lower Buckeye Roads. See map?
Q: Where can I park?
A: Public parking is available in the ADOT yard at the southeast corner of 22nd Avenue and Hilton Avenue.
Q: Is there a charge or entry fee to participate in the public auction?
A: No. Simply come in and fill out a "Bidder Registration Card", or call me at 602.712.6505, to be assigned a bidder number. As the auction progresses, flash your bidder card at the auctioneer to indicate your bid on a particular item.
Q: Do auction items have minimum bids or reserve prices?
A: Normally, no. An exception would be for items purchased on a "Life Cycle Cost" solicitation. In such instances, ADOT bought equipment from a vendor with the agreement that the vendor would repurchase the equipment from ADOT for a predetermined price when the term of the contract expired. These items are normally heavy construction equipment such as Wheeled Loaders, Motor Graders, etc.
Q: How can I pay for an item I purchased?
A: We will accept payment in the form of cash, money order, certified check, or cashier's check. Money orders and checks should be made payable to ADOT. Personal checks and company checks will not be accepted.
Q: I am a bidder from out of state. I don't know ahead of time how much I will have to bid to purchase an given item, therefore, I cannot bring a certified check or cashier's check. How can I pay for the items I purchase?
A: We will advise you of the total amount of your purchases for the auction. You can then "Fedex" or "overnight" a cashier's check to us for payment. Understand that items purchased will not be released until payment is received.
Q: Do I have to pay sales tax?
A: A 6.3% sales tax will be added to the selling price of each item. Exception allowed only upon presentation of a State Privilege (Sales) License or State Use License. Bidders claiming "tax exempt" status will be required to provide State Privilege (Sales) License or State Use License numbers at time of Bidder Registration.
Q: Why must I wait one hour after the auction has concluded to pay for the items I purchased?
A: We have automated our auction procedures. All information from bidder registration through bid tabulation is entered into our database. When you come in to make payment, the press of a key will then produce a Purchase Contract/Receipt, Bill of Sale, and Odometer Statement as applicable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Q: Are the vehicles sold at public auction licensed? If not, how do I get from the auction yard to my residence or place of business?
A: No . . . vehicles sold at ADOT's public auction are not licensed. One-trip permits can be purchased at a cost of $1.00 each. The one-trip permit will allow a person to operate an unregistered vehicle from a specified origin to a specified destination. The one-trip permit will be valid for a period of not greater than three days, excluding weekends and holidays.
Q: Do items sold at ADOT's public auction include any warranty?
A: No. All items are sold "As Is - Where Is". All items should be inspected by a qualified technician prior to operation. Neither the State of Arizona nor any of its departments or institutions, nor the auctioneer make any guarantee or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the condition of the articles offered for sale.
